The continuing adventures of a cruising sailor/family lawyer, his wife (also a lawyer), and their young children.

Somebody Is Ready To Roll

Keith05/20/2008, Outside the Garage, Boulder Canyon, Tucson

I'm into day four of the final push to take care of things in Tucson, clear out the house, load the Bounder, and head off towards North Carolina and Tropical Dreamer. So many material items that have to be dealt with. Throw away, give away, save, take. I'm really looking forward to simplifying. Jake and Anne have been watching me pack for the last several weeks and I'm sure they are stressed about it... actually they seem quite calm so long as we are all together. It reassures Jake that he is coming when I let him hang out in the Bounder while I pack it or clean it. He is definitely a traveling retriever. Anne, well she prefers to hang out inside the house within eyesight. It is looking like we may get out today. If not, then tomorrow.

Yes, that's correct, my Mother came over and helped me load my clothing, towels, linens, etc. into the Bounder. Thanks Mom! Before that, ex-cousin-in-law Guy helped me load things into the bottom to make the most of my space. He also helped me to install the versahaul, put the scooter on, and tie it down. It is a lot easier to do that with two people. The Bounder has a gross vehicle weight limit of 20,000 pounds. I don't know how close I am, but I am sure it is at least twice as heavy as its ever been while in my possession. We'll see how she does up hills on the trip eastward and then west through the Rocky Mountains in the early Fall. Come to think of it, there have been a lot of people who've helped me on this voyage so far. I could hardly have done it alone. Irwin helped me move my heavy things with his truck; Carol, Jenn and Leslie (my former legal assistants) helped me pack up and close the office and a million other things that made this voyage possible. Cousin Jodi drove me to pick up the Bounder from the shop this time and so many times before. She was there for all of the initial Bounder trips, including all the learning experiences. Matt is helping me in all sorts of ways. I am fortunate to have such people in my life. I am a lone traveler, but in a lot of ways it is the people in my life and who I encounter who make the experience possible and enjoyable.

I got a good start yesterday afternon. Big things are pretty much in. Lots of small stuff to store today. WIth all the nooks and crannies on the 34 foot Bounder, I can fit everything. However, the 9 foot pole assembly for the wind turbine won't fit underneath so its either going to have to travel inside or get tied to the roof. Fully loaded, we're going to be heavy, especially with the scooter on the back. I should finish packing the Bounder today and on my way by tomorrow or the next day. Tucson is favoring us with a few spectacular spring days. In a month, this place will be an oven.

As a final visual tribute (a bit blurry, sorry) to the Panama Adventure, I offer a photo of the air conditioner Matt bought for his new room at Albert's flat. We were quite impressed with Albert for using the foam packing material as insulation between the unit and the wall, but, somehow it doesn't seem quite as grand from the detached perspective the picture presents. No seriously, that installation needs some serious finish. Note the remote control on the top - so one may adjust it from bed. Niiice.

The night we spent in the jungle house was the only night I had my own room during the entire Panama trip. The room opened to a patio that had this incredible jungle view. I would go out there in the early morning and sunset regularly if I lived there. Too hot and steamy most of the rest of the day.

I'm going through my pictures and picking out ones that I thought are worth posting. This one was taken on a lone hike from the jungle house to the beach near the island of Coiba. My companions were fast asleep. Jake and Anne would have loved it. Speaking of which, Anne is telling me she is ready to go hiking so I'll post one more then we have to go. Jake has just come in with a ball in his mouth, so I think there is a majority against me.

We stayed in Albert's house for the last few days of the trip. He lives in a convienent area near the heart of Panama city. I liked his place. Three bathrooms. Well suited for guests. As I sit here writing this it is morning after I returned from the trip. Picked up the dogs, got a good night's sleep, and I'm up watching a spectacular sunrise in Tucson, Arizona, which is neither hot nor humid but is instead at the apex of perfection this morning. I'm excited to get packing towards the final push. Before I can do much in that regard, I have to pick-up the Bounder from the shop where it is getting final service before the cross-country trip. That may require some help. There is plenty to do, that's for sure. Soon the dogs will be ready for their morning walk. Perhaps cousin Jodi will want to hike with us this morning and then take me to pick up the magic carpet.